Like Calvin's dad used to say-- "It builds character"

It's a rare day when my experience at work is _far_ more satisfying then the rest of my day. In the big picture, a lot of it was either my own pride being crossed or a big double standard on my part, but that's often little consolation.

There's an old theory regarding food-- if it tastes good, it must be bad for you. If it's good for you, then it won't taste good. That certainly seems to hold true when it comes to vegetables and chocolate, but is it indicative of a larger reality? Easy days may be more pleasant, but hard days are when you develop. Character is forged in the furnace of adversity, as iron sharpens iron. Father, help me to accept the good with the bad, the easy times with the awkward, irritating, frustrating, and perplexing times, trusting Your wisdom more than my own sense of propriety.

Anyone can be pleasant when they're being treated with honor, just as as anyone will do things for you if they think they'll be paid back in kind. What really tells your character is how you behave when someone is reviling you, when you won't get anything for your trouble, when someone could care less about your feelings. Do you react with aggressive self-vindication, retributive attacks, or passive aggression? Or do you hold your tongue, exercise humility, or
even return good for evil? Out of the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks. Jesus, help me to learn from how You dealt with all the natural human emotions brought on by living among sinners who hated You.

I've been given a lot of natural gifts in my life, but God is fair. It's hardly a pleasant experience to have one's failings cataloged or dwelt upon for more than a few minutes, but I'd like to think that there's something to be learned at the same time. Spirit, put more people in my life who will tell it like it is, even when it hurts, but with grace and not with malice. You've given me some, but I need it more.

Whate'er my God ordains is right
Holy His will abideth
I will be still whate'er He doth
and follow where He guideth
He is my God though dark my road
He holds me that I shall not fall
And so to Him I leave it all

Whate'er my God ordains is right
He never will deceive me
He leads me by the proper path
I know He will not leave me
I take content what He hath sent
His hand can turn my griefs away
and patiently I wait His day

Whate'er my God ordains is right
though now this cup in drinking
may bitter seem to my faint heart
I take it all unshrinking
My God is true each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart
and pain and sorrow shall depart

What e'er my God ordains is right
here shall my stand be taken
though sorrow, need, or death be mine
yet I am not forsaken
My Father's care is round me there
He holds me that I shall not fall
And so to Him I leave it all